The copper-domed Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority station, only 12 years old, would be demolished under a new plan for Birmingham's intermodal transportation facility. (Tamika Moore, The Birmingham News)

Architectural plans for Birmingham's new intermodal transportation facility are complete and include demolishing both the Amtrak station and the 12-year-old, copper-domed Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority station and replacing them with two glass-fronted buildings and a plaza on Morris Avenue.

The design for the $30 million central transit hub will now go to federal authorities for approval, said Andre Bittas, Birmingham's director of planning, engineering and permits.

"We feel like we have the best layout for this site that is functional and meets the needs of Greyhound, Amtrak and BJCTA," Bittas said.

The design team of Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio and Hoskins Architecture, both of Birmingham, and Niles Bolton of Atlanta worked nearly a year on options for the site. In the end, the concept included leveling the MAX bus station.

While the $4.5 million building was erected in only 1999, Chris Giattina, president of Giattina Aycock, said it was more cost-efficient to build a new facility than to modify the old one. That includes saying goodbye to the rounded copper top. "The design is functionally not designed for expansion," he said.

The original plan always called for expansion, though. The work completed in 1999 was considered the first phase of a larger project.

Giattina said the team's challenge was making the project financially feasible, harvesting the synergy of activity nearby, rebranding the area for a first-class transit experience and repurposing the blocks as a district and as a welcoming place to work, ride and bike.

"We can't affect transit with this design, but we can provide a platform that redefines this brand and helps them get better," Giattina said.

Bittas said design documents will be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration within a few weeks, with approval expected early next year. Construction of both buildings is expected to begin in spring 2012 and take about two years.

"This intermodal project is one that has been languishing for some time now, and my administration came on board and really got it back on track," said Mayor William Bell.

Bell added that the project will replace the "dark dungeon" that is the current train station. With its vinyl couches and seats, some have likened the station to a 1960s sealed time capsule.

The new buildings would have closed glass waiting areas replacing the open-air shelter. The only covered seating in the existing building is a small area out of view of the buses.

The Greyhound station would move from 19th Street to Morris Avenue, joining with the a new Amtrak station at its current location. The BJCTA offices will also be in that building, while the bus terminal sits across 18th Street.

The project is to be funded 80 percent by the Federal Transportation Administration and 20 percent by the city.

Other elements in the design include a modern version of a clock tower at 18th Street featuring a message board; a pedestrian bridge running from 16th Street to Railroad Park; and a replica of the "Birmingham, The Magic City" sign that once stood near the city's old Terminal Station.

Bell suggested the clock tower and had also discussed recreating the iconic sign.

"Some elements will tie into the baseball park as well as make a connection with the south side and the north side of downtown," he said.

Bittas said the features are part of creating an inviting gateway to the city.

"The first impression is usually what sticks with you when you get there," Bittas said. "We're very excited about this project and its potential for the area."

Funding is subject to approval by the Birmingham City Council, some members of which have questions about the demolition of the BJCTA building.

"I really think the building, being less than 12 years old, can be improved to do what we need to do," said Council President Roderick Royal, citing earlier plans that incorporated the existing building. "I'm not convinced that an 11-year-old building should be demolished."

Both Royal and Transportation Committee Chairwoman Kim Rafferty said they hope the council and committee are given time to formally review the plans, get more details and provide ideas.

Bell said a formal presentation is coming.

Councilman Johnathan Austin, who represents the area, said he liked a previous proposal that preserved the current MAX building. In addition, Austin said he favored having one building, or at least two buildings that are connected.

"It's nice and looks good, but I would suggest they go back to the drawing board. Build two buildings, but connect them," Austin said. "Let's try to do something that accommodates the people. I certainly hope this is not the final option."